Empowering Southern Arizona Communities Through Health, Equity, and Connection
Funded by the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona and Native Seeds Search, this program is focused on creating a farm to table and workforce development program at the House of Hope Woman's Shelter in Douglas, AZ. Through this program, staff provide workforce training on growing native fruits/vegetables/herbs and utilize them for daily cooking as well as how to sell what they grow at local farmer markets and events. Staff also provide community cooking classes and business development training so community members can start their own small business to sell local produce. This program also includes a farm to school program where youth are taught how to grow and utilize fresh produce and learn about healthy food choices.
Funded by SAMHSA under the Strategic Prevention Framework - Partnerships for Success (SPF-PFS) Program, and in partnership with Circles of Peace in Nogales, Mariposa Community Health Center in Nogales, and Campesinos Sin Fronteras in Yuma, this five year grant is a foundational investment in substance use prevention in three border counties of Southern Arizona.
SPF-PFS focuses on: preventing substance use initiation and reducing the progression of substance use (and related problems) by supporting the development and implementation of comprehensive, evidence-based prevention strategies while also strengthening prevention capacity and infrastructure at the community and state levels.
SPF-PFS supports: a comprehensive prevention strategy, addressing locally identified priorities, using a data-driven process, enhancing protective factors, reducing risk factors, and building capacity to implement prevention strategies.
Funded by MATFORCE, the Arizona Border Alliance has several SACLAZ grants focused on drug prevention in Cochise County and Pima County.
SACLAz brings together over 30 substance use prevention coalitions in Arizona providing support and resources to coalitions to help educate their communities on current drug trends including fentanyl and vaping through the SACLAz toolkit and the TalkNowAZ and LearnMoreAZ education and awareness campaigns.
Funded by the Cochise County Health Department, the ABA is providing the Safety First Curriculum to youth throughout Cochise County. Safety First is made up of 13 lessons on alcohol, opioids/fentanyl, psychedelics, and other drugs. The purpose of the curriculums is to encourage youth to abstain from use, but this curriculum also includes a clear harm-reduction message for youth who are experimenting or using, to provide high school students with scientifically accurate information to empower them to quit and/or reduce harm, should they choose to continue to use.
Funded by the State of Arizona, the Arizona Border Alliance offers community training on the use of Narcan in both English and Spanish, as well as free distribution on Narcan to the communities we serve. The demand for continued education in our community remains vital in the fight against opioids. We believe that by increasing education and awareness about opioids and the proper use of Narcan, many lives can be saved. The training is delivered in a culturally appropriate manner, ensuring that trust and connection are emphasized. Training sessions are provided at various community gatherings, fairs, meetings, and celebrations, among others. Book your training today!
If you need Naloxone/Narcan, send us an email at info@arizonaborderalliance.org or call us at 520-288-2669.
Funded by the Legacy Foundation of Southeast Arizona, this project was established to sustain, improve, and expand communication to maximize efforts and minimize duplication. By linking formal and informal resources, we aim to enhance the services provided by agencies and volunteers while reaching out to those in need throughout the Douglas area. Year two of this grant will expand the program county wide.
Funded by the City of Douglas, this Arizona Border Alliance program offers key community services to support wellness, career growth, and education. Each month, Workforce Development Workshops introduce residents to different skilled trades—ranging from cooking and art to law enforcement and healthcare—with a youth mentorshipcomponent connecting students to guest professionals. The Alliance also hosts bi-annual Health and Wellness Fairs that feature local providers, fitness demos, and nutrition education. In response to public health needs, the program provides Substance Use Prevention training, including free Narcan distribution, and offers quarterly Trauma-Informed Care sessions to help the community understand and manage the impact of trauma.
Funded by the Copper Queen Community Hospital , this program addresses the need of resource coordination in Douglas, Bisbee, Tombstone, Hereford, Palominas, and other towns throughout Cochise County.
Partners: Douglas Police Department, Cochise College, City of Douglas, St Vincent De Paul, Catholic Community Services (CCS)- House of Hope, Mexican Consulate, Blueberry Cafe.
Funded by Contexture, Arizona’s health information exchange (HIE), which teamed up with the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) — and in collaboration with 2-1-1 Arizona and Solari Crisis & Human Services — to implement a single, statewide referral system (CommunityCares) to address social determinants of health (SDOH) needs in Arizona.
The Arizona Border Alliance provides referrals to other agencies as well as receives referrals for the services we offer.
Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) is a holistic approach to healthcare and human services that acknowledges the pervasive impact of trauma and aims to create safe and supportive environments for survivors. A trauma-informed approach recognizes that healthcare organizations and care teams must have a comprehensive understanding of a patient's life circumstances—both past and present—to deliver effective services with a healing focus. Additionally, it can help reduce unnecessary care and excess costs in both the healthcare and social service sectorsTrauma-informed care seeks to
In today's rapidly changing world, with numerous global events, TIC is essential for understanding humanity and fostering comprehensive interactions with one another.
Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) Yoga focuses on understanding and responding to the effects of trauma on individuals. The Arizona Border Alliance offers weekly Trauma-Informed Care Yoga classes, emphasizing healing and resilience. These services aim to address the root causes of risk factors and social determinants of health, promoting mental and physical well-being. By integrating TIC principles, the program seeks to create a supportive environment that fosters recovery and empowerment for individuals affected by trauma.
If you are interested in signing up for one of our yoga classes send us an email. info@arizonaborderalliance.org
By supporting and collaborating with workforce development and job placement initiatives in our area of service, the community can truly benefit from economic growth, reduced unemployment, and ultimately foster community resilience. This resilience promotes self-sufficiency and stability among residents. When individuals are employed, they are more likely to contribute positively to their community, leading to improved social cohesion and decreased reliance on social services. We firmly believe that there is a more sustainable and prosperous future for our border residents. The ABA offers job placement services in all the counties we serve as well as workforce training through hands on/in person sessions with staff and professionals in their field.
In partnership with the Mendez Foundation, Arizona Border Alliance staff provide the Seeds of Nutrition program to youth in southern Arizona schools in English and Spanish.
Seeds of Nutrition is a skills-based nutrition education curriculum designed to promote a priority for health within the adolescent. The students learn the roles of nutrients, hydration, exercise, and rest in promoting physical and mental well-being. Students exposed to this information will be more likely to adopt standards and norms consistent with a healthy lifestyle.
Seeds of Nutrition promotes a commitment to health and taking care of the body through the development of knowledge, skills, and attitudes children and teens need to make healthy decisions consistent with their healthy goals.
This program is utilized in all of our Growing Hope garden programs as well.
In partnership with the Mendez Foundation, Arizona Border Alliance staff provide the Too Good for Drugs program to youth in southern Arizona schools in English and Spanish.
Skills development is at the core of Too Good for Drugs, a universal K-12 prevention education program designed to mitigate the risk factors and enhance protective factors related to alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs (ATOD) use. The lessons introduce and develop skills for making healthy choices, building positive friendships, developing self-efficacy, communicating effectively, and resisting peer pressure and influence.
Too Good for Drugs teaches five essential character development skills to build self-efficacy, promote healthy development, and academic success:
In partnership with the Mendez Foundation, Arizona Border Alliance staff provide the Too Good for Violence program to youth in southern Arizona schools in English and Spanish.
Character Education and Asset Development are at the core of TGFV-A Peaceable Place and TGFV-Social Perspectives to provide students with the skills, knowledge, and attitudes they need for positive social development and supportive relationships.
The readiness and ability to socialize, connect, and cooperate with others is essential for positive peer bonding, healthy relationship building, and advocacy for one’s needs. The interpersonal skills built into the course include these primary skill constructs:
Together they promote Self-Awareness and Social Awareness within the student.
Funded by Delta Dental, this program utilizes the '10 Minutes for Teeth' curriculum for grades K-6 in southern Arizona schools. Oral health education is critical for youth to begin proper brushing and oral care at a young age to prevent health issues as they get older. This program supplies youth with the knowledge as well as the supplies (toothpaste, toothbrushes, & floss) to properly take care of their teeth.
The ABA also provides youth and families referrals to local dentists in their area as well as financial assistance for oral health care for families in financial need.
Thrive is a comprehensive resilience and mental health program aimed at preventing substance use among youth in school settings. It focuses on equipping students with the skills to manage stress, build self-esteem, and develop healthy relationships. By implementing evidence-based practices, Thrive fosters a supportive environment that encourages open discussions about mental health and substance use. In Douglas, Arizona, this program can significantly impact the community by providing students with essential tools to cope with challenges, thereby reducing the risk of substance abuse.
Funded by Arizona Complete Health's Outcome Based Grant and Native Seeds Search, this program focuses on creating and sustaining farm to school programs and workforce development training throughout Southern Arizona modeled after our original Growing Hope Curriculum.
The Arizona Border Alliance currently has four separate coalitions: The ABA Douglas Coalition, the ABA Bisbee/Naco Coalition, the ABA Pinal/Gila County Coalition, and the ABA Pima County Coalition. We are currently setting up coalitions in Santa Cruz, Yuma/La Paz, and Graham/Greenlee Counties.
The ABA Coalitions utilize SAMHSA's Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) and has members from all 12 sectors: Youth, Parents, Business, Media, Schools, Youth-serving Organizations, Law Enforcement, Faith-based organizations, Civic or Volunteer groups, Healthcare professionals, State or Local agencies, and Substance Abuse Agencies. Members meet once a month in person, and a virtual option is also available.
If you are interested in joining an ABA Coalition and making a difference in your community, send us an email!
La comunicación y la colaboración son esenciales para fomentar una comunidad saludable. La Oficina de Salud Pública Fronteriza trabaja para mejorar la comunicación y reunir a los aliados para alcanzar los objetivos. Estos grupos promueven la colaboración entre los funcionarios de salud de ambos lados de la frontera. Con el paso del tiempo, su enfoque ha evolucionado para abordar diversas cuestiones de salud. Las primeras asociaciones oficiales de salud entre Estados Unidos y México se formaron a principios de la década de 1940. Los primeros Consejos Binacionales de Salud, conocidos en español como COBINAS (Consejos Binacionales de Salud), se establecieron en 1965. Hasta el día de hoy, la Arizona Border Alliance es y seguirá siendo miembro del Consejo Binacional de Salud con el fin de proporcionar servicios binacionales que beneficien a ambas comunidades.
The Arizona Border Alliance offers a comprehensive FAFSA & College Assistance Program designed to support students and families through the college preparation and financial aid process. We provide one-on-one guidance for completing the FAFSA application, understanding eligibility for grants, scholarships, and loans, and navigating key deadlines. In addition, we assist with college applications, personal statements, and exploring academic or vocational pathways that align with each student’s goals. Our mission is to remove barriers to higher education by offering free, accessible, and culturally responsive support to help students make informed decisions and pursue post-secondary success.
Funded by Arizona Complete Heath, this program focuses on hosting town halls and community gatherings to focus on solutions to the housing crisis in Southern Arizona.
Arizona is facing a significant housing crisis characterized by a severe shortage of affordable housing, escalating home prices, and rising eviction rates. Addressing Arizona's housing crisis requires comprehensive policy reforms, including increasing the supply of affordable housing, revising zoning laws to facilitate development, and implementing tenant protections to ensure housing stability for all residents.
The Arizona Border Alliance is currently convening town halls throughout Pima, Cochise, Santa Cruz, and Yuma counties to begin addressing the housing crisis and helping those in need of support.
Staff at the Arizona Border Alliance are bi-lingual and have years of experience providing translation services in Spanish and English. We offer professional Spanish and English translation services tailored to individuals, organizations, and businesses seeking clear, accurate, and culturally sensitive communication. Services include document translation (letters, flyers, forms, reports), live interpretation for meetings or community events, and assistance with outreach materials to ensure accessibility for both Spanish- and English-speaking audiences. With strong language fluency and cultural awareness, we aim to bridge communication gaps and support inclusive, respectful engagement across diverse communities. Services are available for in-person, virtual, or written formats, depending on your needs.
The Arizona Border Alliance serves as a fiscal agent to several other agencies, non-profits, businesses, and private individuals that need fiscal support. By serving as a fiscal agent, we seek to increase funding opportunities for other projects and programs, strengthen partnerships, and increase capacity building of smaller organizations by enabling them to grow and improve their services. Ultimately it benefits the community by ensuring more comprehensive and diverse services are available.
Funded by SAMHSA, this multi-year prevention grant focuses on reducing substance use among youth and adults in Southern Arizona through the implementation of comprehensive bi-lingual prevention programs and strategies. This highly competitive award shows how devoted the Arizona Border Alliance is to Substance Use Prevention and how much we have accomplished in such a short time.
The ABA provides financial scholarships every year to three high school seniors for college.
Higher education is especially important for rural communities in Arizona because it offers a pathway to economic opportunity, community development, and long-term resilience. In areas where access to high-paying jobs and resources can be limited, education beyond high school equips individuals with the skills needed to compete in today’s workforce—whether through college degrees, vocational training, or certification programs. It helps residents access careers in healthcare, education, technology, and skilled trades, many of which are in high demand in rural areas.
Beyond job readiness, higher education builds leadership capacity within small communities, empowering local residents to address issues like healthcare access, infrastructure, and economic development from within. It also helps young people stay and thrive in their hometowns, reducing brain drain by opening up new possibilities close to home. For rural Arizonans, investing in higher education is not just a personal step forward—it’s a way to strengthen the social and economic fabric of the entire community.
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Border PAWS is a comprehensive initiative aimed at supporting the welfare of dogs along the Arizona border. This program focuses on rescuing and rehabilitating stray, abandoned, or injured dogs and proving food and assistance to dog owners in need. To provide a safe haven for rescued dogs, the initiative builds a robust network of foster homes and temporary shelters through partnerships with local governments and nonprofit organizations. Recognizing the cross-border nature of the problem, Border Paws also promotes cooperation with shelters and animal welfare groups in Sonora, Mexico. This aspect of the program addresses shared challenges such as disease control, overpopulation, and dog trafficking. In addition to direct intervention, the program emphasizes public education, launching bilingual campaigns to promote responsible pet ownership and encourage community involvement in reporting cases of animal neglect or cruelty.
A critical part of the program is a well-organized adoption and transportation effort, which connects rescued dogs with no-kill shelters and adoptive families across the United States.
Through this multifaceted approach, Border Paws seeks to provide immediate relief and long-term solutions for dogs living in one of the country’s most challenging environments.
Funded by the City of Sierra Vista's Industrial Development Authority (IDA), this program has enabled the ABA to purchase podcast equipment and host podcasts for the communities we serve.
Voices from the Border is a storytelling and information-focused podcast that explores the complex realities of life along the Arizona-Mexico border. Each episode highlights the voices of local residents, migrants, ranchers, humanitarian workers, policy experts, and indigenous leaders to offer a nuanced understanding of border issues. Topics include immigration policy, border enforcement, environmental impacts, cross-border culture, public health, and community resilience. With a balance of personal narratives and expert insights, the podcast aims to foster dialogue, deepen empathy, and promote informed discussion on the challenges and opportunities facing the borderlands.
Our Veteran Empowerment & Support Program (VESP) is a comprehensive initiative designed by the ABA to honor and assist veterans. The program offers personalized resource navigation and case management to connect veterans with essential services such as VA benefits, healthcare, housing support, and legal aid. Employment and skills development are key components, including resume workshops, job readiness training, and partnerships with local businesses to facilitate meaningful employment. For those interested in entrepreneurship or trades, we also provide guidance and support in pursuing certifications or starting a small business.
Mental health and wellness are central to our approach, with access to peer-led support groups, trauma-informed care training, and workshops focused on mindfulness and stress management. To build a sense of community, we host regular social events, outdoor activities, and mentorship opportunities that connect new veterans with those who have already navigated the transition successfully. Recognizing the vital role families play, we offer resources and support for spouses and children, including family referrals and reintegration workshops. Through advocacy and public education efforts, the program also aims to raise awareness of veterans' needs and promote policy change. Services are offered both in-person and virtually, with bilingual support available to ensure accessibility for all.
Pride & Wellness is a comprehensive program designed to support the health, safety, and empowerment of LGBTQ+ individuals through inclusive services, social connection, and leadership engagement. At its core, the program offers free, confidential HIV and STD testing in a stigma-free environment, along with access to prevention education and referrals to affirming healthcare providers. It also features a welcoming safe space where LGBTQ+ community members can relax, connect, and talk openly without fear of judgment—whether it's to share experiences, find resources, or simply be themselves.
To strengthen community trust and transparency, the program includes “Lunch with the CEO,” a monthly opportunity for participants to meet directly with the nonprofit’s leadership. This casual, open-format lunch encourages dialogue, feedback, and relationship-building, ensuring that LGBTQ+ voices are heard and valued at every level of the organization. Together, these services aim to reduce isolation, increase access to care, and promote a sense of belonging and pride within Arizona’s LGBTQ+ communities.
Borders of Life is a suicide prevention program specifically designed to meet the needs of communities in Southern Arizona, where access to mental health resources is often limited and stigma remains a barrier to seeking help. The program provides bilingual (English/Spanish), culturally grounded services that include suicide prevention education, early intervention, and direct support. It offers community trainings such as QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer), Mental Health First Aid, and workshops on trauma, depression, and stress management—delivered in collaboration with local schools, clinics, and faith-based organizations.
The program also includes peer support groups, youth outreach, and mobile wellness units to reach remote and rural areas. Special attention is given to high-risk groups, including LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, farmworkers, and indigenous or migrant populations. Fronteras de Esperanza connects participants with crisis resources, mental health professionals, and follow-up care, while also working to reduce stigma through public awareness campaigns rooted in local culture and language. Family engagement and healing spaces are offered for those who have experienced loss, helping to foster resilience and connection. Services are available in-person, online, and through community events, ensuring flexible and accessible support throughout the region.
Our Sonoran Bridges Program is dedicated to providing comprehensive assistance to individuals and families experiencing homelessness throughout the region. By offering essential services such as emergency shelter, nutritious meals, access to healthcare, job training, and case management, the program works to address both immediate needs and long-term solutions. With a strong network of community partners and volunteers, the program emphasizes dignity, compassion, and empowerment, aiming to help people transition from crisis to stability. Through advocacy, outreach, and housing support, the initiative strives to create a more inclusive and supportive Southern Arizona for all.
Our agency is able to provide comprehensive curriculum development tailored to meet the unique needs of educational institutions and training programs. We design engaging, standards-aligned content that supports effective teaching and enhances student learning outcomes across various subjects and grade levels. The Arizona Border Alliance is currently developing a bilingual youth curriculum tailored for Southern Arizona rural community youth.
In partnership with the AZ National Guard and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, the Arizona Border Alliance coordinates and hosts drug take back events throughout Southern Arizona. Email us if you would like the current list of locations and dates.
Drug take-back programs are important for several key reasons:
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